A Practical Approach to Insulation Removal in the County of Brant

Insulation removal should start with an assessment of insulation materials.

Before removing old or aging insulation, it’s wise to do an overall assessment. In older homes, installed insulation may have already lost integrity, or may have deteriorated for one reason or another. Here, it’s important to establish whether removal is immediately urgent, or if the work is just routine. For homeowners thinking about insulation removal in the County of Brant, the experts at Great Northern Insulation do it all - removal, repairs, retrofits, and reinstallation. All products are high quality, workmanship is superior, and the project as a whole is guaranteed.

Since every home is different, every home insulation removal will be different.

Since every home is different, every insulation removal will be different. The team at GNI has encountered practically every project scenario - removals that are basic; removals that are more difficult; and removals that are dangerous. There are also scenarios that require additional work: like homes with under-performing insulation; homes that are sealed improperly; and homes that suffer from poor installations. For the homeowner, every inadequacy is another recipe for wasted energy. And wasted energy means wasted money on heating and cooling throughout the year.

Removing old insulation while renovating is a good way to save project cash.

Removing insulation when renovating is a good way to save money. Indeed, if the project work can be well coordinated amongst the various trades, insulation removal can be totally simplified. Renovation time is also an excellent time to repair and retrofit, prior to installing new insulation. For the experts at Great Northern Insulation, insulation removal begins with an assessment of the existing insulation. This is followed by a decision on how much of the insulation will be removed and how much will be saved. Finally, there’s the installation of new, high quality insulation.

The majority of insulation removals require some experience and expertise.

In the majority of cases, insulation removal requires previous experience and expertise. This is much more than just a cleanup project – and it’s work that goes beyond the capability of a typical property owner. GNI crews are experts – they use industrial vacuum equipment; they remove everything completely; and they ensure the safe handling of all waste. When the initial cleanup work has been completed, GNI crews prepare the space for new insulation product. This includes making necessary repairs, proper air sealing, and retrofitting ventilation, where needed.

With budget limitations, homeowners might decide to go with the DIY option.

When the project budget is limited, some homeowners decide on a DIY approach to removing insulation. Overall, it’s not a good option - insulation removal is painstaking and time-consuming. An amateur takes twice the time as an expert, to do the same work. And sometimes, insulation removal can be hazardous. It’s not uncommon for old insulation to be contaminated, or to contain asbestos, or to contain mold. These are big risks for a homeowner to be doing the work. In short, insulation removal should be left to the professionals who have the expertise to do the job right.

Before installing new insulation, there may be additional work that’s needed.

For homeowners in the County of Brant, GNI offers a full service approach to insulation removal. Cleanup and disposal is thorough. Repairs and retrofits are all to code. And new insulation is the best quality on the market. GNI installers are experts in every aspect: they may need to install an air barrier (or a vapour barrier); they may need to upgrade and retrofit the existing ventilation; or, they may need to completely air seal the installation space. Indeed, for GNI, air sealing the space is essential in ensuring performance for the insulation, and long-term energy efficiency.

An airtight space is absolutely essential in order to maximize energy efficiency.

Indoor air movement affects the inside of every home. But homes that are well sealed do a better job of controlling that air movement. A well sealed home will derive a number of benefits: better air circulation; better air quality; and better energy efficiency. For Great Northern Insulation, the priority on every project is to create a “system” where everything combines to boost the energy efficiency. This includes effective air sealing; efficient air ventilation; and high quality insulation. And the long-term results are evident: reductions in energy use and reductions in energy bills.

In the County of Brant, Great Northern Insulation installs only quality products.

In the County of Brant, GNI offers a number of insulation products for installation. One example is blown insulation, a popular choice for the attic. Blown insulation provides a “thermal blanket” that very effectively insulates with good R-Values. The product is available in either cellulose or fiberglass, and is regarded as a cost-effective install. GNI also installs fiberglass batt insulation, another suitable option for the attic, with good product lifespan, and good R-Values.

Today, there are many homeowners opting for high performance insulation. For this, GNI will recommend Spray Foam Insulation - recognized today as the best product on the market. It has many more benefits than any comparable product. SFI seals a space airtight. It acts as an air barrier and vapour barrier in one. And it provides better R-Value than any other product. With a professional installation, SFI lasts a lifetime, without the need to replace or replenish.

A more unique approach from Great Northern Insulation is the “hybrid” application. It combines two insulation products in one application. First, the SFI product is applied throughout. This is followed by the blown insulation, which is installed as a complement. The results are excellent, and the application is cost-effective. In fact, the yearly savings on seasonal heating and cooling are significant enough that the installation cost can be paid down in a few short years.

For customers in the County of Brant, the focus for GNI is on complete customer satisfaction. All installed products are backed by the manufacturer’s warrantee, and installation workmanship is company guaranteed.

GNI is the Authorized & Trusted Insulation and Air Sealing Installer for Lowe’s

Energy Saving

Energy saving and energy efficiency is easier than one might think. Great Northern Insulation helps to identify performance issues, while taking advantage of improvement opportunities.

100% Canadian

Great Northern Insulation is recognized as Canada's largest full-service insulation contractor. GNI is 100% Canadian owned, proudly serving Ontario customers since 1980.

Do it right the first time - with foam mastersTM

WALLTITE® ECO™ is a high-performance system, professionally installed by certified and approved specialists. Its C.C.M.C. approved (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) - with product quality guaranteed - and with installation by highly trained experts with the technical know-how to do the job right, the first time.

Best of 2017

From reputation to responsiveness, HomeStars consistently ranks Great Northern Insulation at better than 95% for customer satisfaction. Thanks to everyone for the great ratings!

Best of 2018

For the second year in a row, HomeStars consistently ranks Great Northern Insulation at better than 95% for customer satisfaction. Thank you again to everyone!

The GREENGUARD® Gold Certification promise

GREENGUARD® Gold Certification ensures the strictest criteria for low-level chemical emissions. Certified products are safe for individuals with sensitivities (children/elderly) and safe for use in school environments and health-care facilities. The product certification is widely recognized by the LEED Rating System (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).

Insulthane® Extreme

For the ultimate in high performance spray foam insulation, Insulthane® Extreme is the professional choice for residential, commercial, and industrial application. With improved thermal performance over other products, Insulthane® Extreme has an exceptionally low Global Warming Potential (GWP). Considered environmentally friendly, this next generation spray foam insulation is non-ozone depleting, and exceeds specifications of other HFC product alternatives.

ECOLOGOTM:Multi-attribute product certification

ECOLOGOTM is an accredited sign of environmental performance – holistic – green – sustainable - and compliant with strict, third party standards. Life cycle criteria for product certification may include manufacturing and operations; health and environment; product materials and performance; and product innovation, development, and management.

3MTM products.Quality + Performance = Savings

3MTM energy-saving products are designed to keep warm air in, and cold air out, while keeping energy bills down. Products optimize energy efficiency in buildings and homes; improve indoor environment for occupants; and effect the reduction of seasonal energy costs. 3M products are authorized for LEED credits (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).

Baeumler ApprovedTMProfessional, Certified and Insured

Baeumler ApprovedTM gives you peace of mind when connecting with contractors, trades and home service providers. All Baeumler Approved members have demonstrated high quality work for customers and other trade professionals. Members must also have Workers Compensation, liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and prove professional certification.

Holmes and Holmes

Mike Holmes and his son Mike Jr. (MJ) convert MJ’s bachelor bungalow into a two-storey home for MJ and his girlfriend Lisa. Choosing the newest materials and build techniques, the father and son team follow Mike’s famous motto – “Make it right.” The show can be watched on HGTV and DIY Network.

Enbridge Incentives

The Energy Conservation Program provides incentives of up to $1,600 to customers who achieve energy efficiency and fuel savings – and Great Northern Insulation can pave the way.

Great Northern Insulation proudly abides by a renovation-specific Code of Conduct set by RenoMark™.